 The Roanoke River Lighthouse &
Maritime Museum
Plymouth,
NC
War, fire, ice, politics….the story
of the The Roanoke River
Lighthouse—or more appropriately,
the four Roanoke River
Lights—could be the subject of a
disaster movie or an
inspirational book.
Today, a perfect replica of the
second Roanoke River Lighthouse
sits peacefully alongside the
Roanoke River. Its exhibits tell the
story of this once-bustling port
town where schooners, steamboats,
and barges frequented the customs
house. The river connected the
region to the broader world and this
beacon protected that connection.
Browse the exhibits and discover the
fascinating stories. Climb the
spiral staircase, step past the lens
onto a breezy deck and imagine the
lonely life of the keeper, isolated
for days or weeks at a time with
only his chickens and goats on a
lower deck.
At the
Roanoke River Maritime Museum,
just across the street, enjoy a
wealth of photographs that share the
story of the river's impact on
fishermen, farmers, foresters,
me rchants, soldiers, papermakers…and
most of the people who lived here or
passed through this place and
neighboring towns like Jamesville,
Roper and Creswell.
Try
your hand (via imagination) at
navigating a boat. See native fish
in a large aquarium. Discover
underwater secrets found by East
Carolina University students'
underwater archeological
explorations including sunken ships
from exciting Civil War battles.
Exhibits on early boatbuilding help
chronicle the evolution from paddle
to sail to motor. Visitors will even
get to know a little about some of
the colorful local characters.
A display by The
Outer Banks
Lighthouse Society will highlight
North Carolina’s famous seaside
lights, building anticipation for visitors on their way to the
outer banks.
Today, the Roanoke River Lighthouse
is establishing a new significance
as a visitors attraction and
Gateway to the Outer Banks
Lighthouses, a gathering place
for Plymouth’s annual Wood Boat
Show, the popular Cowboys on the
Water, and other events.
Follow the signs on US Hwy 64 to
Downtown
Plymouth, NC. Ample free parking for cars, buses and RV’s adjacent to venues.
Open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday and by appointment for group tours
and activities. Call 252-217-2204. |
